Don’t blame him for digging his heels in if he doesn’t want to move. After all, he’s contracted through 2027. From his perspective, he’s younger than Ake and Stones and he posted more minutes last season than those two combined, coming back from injury to see us over the line. Heavens, he even played 3 games in the CWC! Do wonder whether it’s a case of failing to shift others and now it’s simply his turn to feel the pressure.
I’m not overly fussed as to his leaving, but if he goes and Ake or Stones break down in the coming weeks, there are going to be some more difficult discussions.